franc-archer
/ˌfrɒŋkɑːˈʃeɪ/(also francs-archer) French History
noun
A member of a body of archers established by Charles VII and exempted from taxes in consideration of their services.
- Each parish (later, each group of fifty to eighty households) was required to equip one franc-archer..
Origin
Mid 16th century; earliest use found in Alexander Scott (b. c1520), poet. From Middle French franc-archer from franc free from charge or obligation + archer.